What is x^2?

The notation x^2 represents x raised to the power of 2, also known as x squared. This means that x is multiplied by itself, resulting in x^2. In mathematical terms, x^2 can also be written as x * x or x^2 = x * x.

When graphed on a Cartesian plane, the graph of x^2 is a parabola that opens upwards, with its vertex at the origin (0,0). The function y = x^2 is symmetric about the y-axis, and its value increases as x moves away from the origin in both positive and negative directions.

The function x^2 has many applications in mathematics, physics, engineering, and other fields. It is commonly used to represent the area of a square with sides of length x, as well as in quadratic equations and functions. The properties of x^2 make it a foundational function in algebra and calculus.